I miss walking from class to class. This would have never crossed my mind last year. Online school has made me appreciate the seemingly mundane act of walking outside. Currently, my life revolves around my desk. Nothing compels me to get up and move. Everything I have to do is done from my chair. I have no need to venture out into the forgotten outdoors. Nevertheless, this lack of apparent necessity should not prevent me from going for a hike or spending an evening at a park. These moments in which we step away from our desks are, perhaps, as you may discover, needed. I hope to encourage students to not let fresh air become a forgotten luxury. This brief article can serve as a guide to show you a couple spots not too far from campus where you can relax and enjoy being out in nature. Unfortunately you cannot bus directly to these locations and will have to make a few bus transfers. The peace and the view are totally worth it, though.
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Mill Creek Regional Park
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This peaceful little park offers a nice nature walk through the woods along a creek. Although there’s only one primary trail, it does not tend to be busy.
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The vast majority of the trail is a very smooth gravel pathway littered with stairs and the occasional wooden bridge that overlooks the creek. However, some sections of the trail are a bit challenging. As the path fades away, solid footing becomes harder to find.
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The trail is home to plenty of waterfalls, most of which are readily accessible for the surefooted. With that said, understand the risks involved in venturing off the path.
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Should you find yourself wanting a short and scenic hike, Mill Creek Regional Park is absolutely worth checking out.
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Dilworth Mountain Park
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If you are after a spot that overlooks the city, this tiny, tucked-away park may be the best spot in all of Kelowna.
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I find the views this park offers to be best from sunset into the evening. It comes to life as the city starts to light up.
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There are many benches throughout the park. Although it can get a bit busy some days, there is always plenty of seating for everyone to enjoy the view. Although it does not last long, there is a trail that wraps around the entire perimeter of the park, offering a nice variety of views.
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I encourage you to find time to get outdoors amidst all the stress of school. Although it is so easy for us to stay at our desks all day long, it’s worthwhile to not get complacent and, to instead, enjoy the humbling outdoors, a space where schoolwork doesn’t have to be at the forefront of your mind.
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